Opinon

A World Post-Genocide: How Rwanda Rebuilt with Female Leaders

Océane Jones, Editor-In-Chief

Photo by Océane Jones With the Rwandan economy relying heavily on tourism, locals are very friendly to tourists. This is additionally due to initiatives made by the female-majority parliament to take a percentage of tourists expenses to return back to the community, benefiting institutions of education and infrastructure.

The mountain gorilla is one of the many species unique to Rwanda, among a few neighboring countries. Although the trek to see the mammals is usually too expensive for locals, the animals attract tourists from around the world with their unique, gentle, nature and human-like habits.

Photo by Océane Jones Male moutain gorilla taking a rest in the Virunga Volcano Forest.

View from Choose Kigali, a local art center overlooking the Kigali.

Photo by Océane Jones

Although many travelers are still hesitant to visit Rwanda on account of the Genocide, the nation is rebuilding and stronger than ever, something that can be uniquely attributed to their majority-female parliament. Although women make up almost half of the world’s population, they occupy less than a quarter of political seats, according to a study by National Geographic. However, the same cannot be said about Rwanda. The Genocide itself paved the way for gender equality, with extreme sexual violence forcing women to claim their seat in power and change their nation for the better. The Rwandan Genocide occured from April 7th, 1994 to July 15, 1995. During this 100 day period, armed Hutus killed around 800,000 of the Tutsi minority, as well as moderate Hutus and Twa. As the nation rebuilds almost thirty years after the Genocide, we examine how their female-majority parliament works to heal the nation, and cultivaite unity rather than hate.

The tea and coffee fields throughout the nation are Rwanda’s largest export. With workers earning around $1 per 40 kilograms, the industry also provides minimum wage employment. Naiomi is a tea expert working at the One & Only resort located in the forests of the Virunga Volcano Range. “We are proud of our black tea,” says Naiomi. Growing up in Kigali, Rwanda’s largest and capital city, working at the One & Only is a huge accomplishment. Post-genocide, the female-majority parliament gave women the right to own property and make their own income, something illegal before the female leaders came into power.

Photo by Océane Jones

Birdseye view of the coffee and tea planations.

This has led to an increase of 126% of women working in the skilled employment sector, according to Fraym’s ML-Derived Population Data.

Photo by Océane Jones Outside of the Nymirambo Women’s Center, a female run boutique funding girls’s education.

Art has blossomed since the election of female leaders in the parliment. Galleries and stores such as Kigali Art Center and the Nymirambo Women’s Center foster creativity in local youth by establishing school programs. The newly imposed ligistaure regarding sexual violence againast women has also grown the city into an extremely safe place for women, ranked as one of the safest places for female travelers by Wondering Our World.

PAGE 5 Psychology and Obsession Behind True Crime

Quintessa Frisch, Opinion Editor “Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” has taken over the charts - with 701.37 million hours watched in its initial release. It is Netflix’s second most popular English-language series. These numbers are astonishing, but the true crime far precedes “Dahmer,” released this Sept. 2022. True crime is a nonfiction podcast, literary, or film genre based on a crime, typically murder, kidnapping, or burglary. Storylines go into the specific details of each case, either talking about the exact details or interviewing people related to the case. With only 30% of people claiming they never watch true crime, it wouldn’t be fair to say that true crime hasn’t held an impact on mainstream media over the years. While true crime may just seem like an interesting way to understand the history behind serious cases, it brings an ethical discussion to the table. Some people believe that true crime glorifies criminals and their stories. Regarding murder cases, true crime may be seen as insensitive to the victim’s families. Criminals have various motives behind their crimes, including the desire for fame. True crime increases publicity, putting criminals in the spotlight. However, true crime isn’t only controversial because of ethical beliefs. Another leading reason is the controversy of true crime revolving around something often disregarded - the judicial system. Donald Shelton, a well-respected felony trial judge who wrote an article called ‘The ‘CSI Effect’: Does It Really Exist,’ shares his perspective on true crime and how he sees its influence on people around him. Published by the National Institute of Justice in 2008,he discusses valid points that hold the test of time. “Many attorneys, judges, and journalists have claimed that watching television programs like CSI has caused jurors to wrongfully acquit guilty defendants when no scientific evidence has been presented,” Shelton wrote. “The mass media quickly picked up on these complaints. This so-called effect was promptly dubbed the ‘CSI effect,’ laying much of the blame on the popular television series and its progeny.” The judicial branch was formed in 1789 - the idea of true crime changing the impactful opinion of jurors is concerning. Shelton explains how CSI often exaggerates evidence in crimes, leading jurors to start disregarding cases with less evidence. This can be dangerous, as some of the most serious crimes have little evidence, such as rape. Shelton discovered that if there was no scientific evidence presented, 14% of jurors that watched CSI were less likely to find the defendant guilty in a case involving rape. This being said, it is unlikely that this ‘CSI effect’ Shelton talks about influenced every juror’s opinion. Just because this could be the case does not mean that true crime shows and podcasts should be ended. If you’re a juror or someone who has an influence on the law, stay away from this source of information. The brain’s reaction to true crime is similar to horror movies - your brain produces endorphins from the intense adrenaline you feel. The feeling of excitement you may feel from releasing endorphins can be addicting. When watching true crime, your brain also produces serotonin and dopamine, two additional ‘feel-good’ chemicals. Although it is a big factor, these chemicals aren’t the only reason why people watch true crime. It’s certainly not every day that you are exposed to serial killers - but with true crime, this is turned into a reality. Overall, people are interested in the lives of others, even when they most likely shouldn’t be. True crime can take away the thought of feeling invasive into other’s lives, as information is already given to you. Instead of being curious, many true crime shows and podcasts provide you with direct interviews with victims, people involved, and sometimes the criminal themself. If the criminal happens to be a serial killer, it tends to interest people more, bringing along this obsession with true crime. It is fascinating to learn more about the thoughts behind someone that can commit something so horrific. True crime digs into the background of serial killers, often revealing some past trauma they have dealt with. This allows people to empathize with serial killers, something that seems almost unheard of. It is interesting to see if you can relate to serial killers. You may find yourself relating to these murderers - similar childhoods, maybe you shared a hometown, quite literally anything. True crime podcasts and shows tend to overshare the lives of the criminals, increasing the number of things a viewer may find relatable. To be clear, I am not saying that everybody relates to serial killers, and therefore should disregard their terrible actions. Serial killers should 100% be held accountable. However, it is our natural response to feel sympathy towards people. It is important to find a balance between empathy and accountability. If you empathize to the extent that you neglect the crime itself, then that is where the problem develops. It is not fair to blame this on the makers of true crime shows and podcasts - it is important for the watcher/listener to consume the content already aware of the effects it may have. Another interesting aspect of true crime is the comfortability found within unsettling facts and stories. Comfortability in true crime comes in two separate ways; being unable to relate to criminals, allowing for a sense of security, and feeling more prepared for the rare situation that the case you are learning about happens to you. Although the chance of an exact crime repeating itself in your life is extremely rare, it can still settle any feelings of anxiety. Additionally, being unable to relate to criminals gives a sense of security. The less you can relate, the less chance there is that you can see yourself in that position. True crime is entertaining no matter what, whether you watch it for education, relatability, or comfort. Seeing how different cases are justified and explained will always interest me. True crime allows for opportunities that would have otherwise never been given.

Shootings are Currently at an All-Time High

Stella Iverson, A&E Editor Shootings have become a norm in this country. The average American wakes up to the same news every day: a new shooting. Each year since the first mass school shooting at Columbine High School in 1991 gun laws have gone nowhere since the semi-automatic ban in 1994. In 2022 there were up to 604 mass shootings. How much have we really done to actively stop the 40,000 people who died in 2022 due to gun violence? Why have we not done more to support those 18-year-old kids who are plagued with trauma they can’t forget? Firearms have become one of the leading causes of death for Americans at any age. It is impossible to name every shooting that has happened this year in the United States. May 24, 2022, A new school shooting popped up on the news, with 22 dead, mostly children ages 8-10. On May 14, 2022, 10 dead, most simply grocery shopping for their next meals. How much more is it going to take before we do something, anything? Americans are more than exhausted. Compiling shootings with the long three years of COVID-19, we’ve all experienced too much death. iall semi-automatic weapons, pump shotguns, and rifles were banned.

Photo by Isaac Andrade

The booth for gun violence solutions at the AHS Club Fair

operated by a bolt, pump, lever or slide action were banned, as well as assault weapons used by military, law enforcement, retired law enforcement, and Antique weapons, are illegal; what good has that done? How have we let politics influence our decisions to the point we don’t have human decency. It is known that there are more shootings in red states. In 2016, 37,353 gun deaths occurred in the United States. Of these gun-related deaths, 22,938 were suicides, and 14,415 were homicides. Of The homicides, 71 were classified as the result of a mass shooting. A paper written in 2016 from the University of Alabama compared 171 countries from 1966 to 2012 and concluded that the United States accounted for only 5% of the world’s population, but 31% of its mass shootings. What more could we possibly ask for, apologies for wanting to be able to attend school not worried someone could slip in with a gun. How much more death and tragedy must it take for you to realize there is a simple fix?

Addy Christensen, Staff Writer

Cassidy Young Haley Schmela and Lauren Kinney are so excited to spend another holiday season with no significant other.

Haley Schmela, Staff Writer, Lauren Kinney, Social Media Editor As we all know, the holidays tend to make people feel alone and upset that they do not have a significant other. However, we would love to congratulate you on surviving the holidays! There seems to be a lot of stigma around doing this alone over the months of December through New Years. As an expert at being alone, especially during the holidays after 16 years without a significant other, here are some amazing tips and tricks to cure your seasonal depression for the next year! First tip: don’t let anyone or anything get in your head. Lock in and make it the best holiday season. Take ownership. Everything you can do with two people, you can do by yourself, but BETTER. Regardless of the stereotypes, stand under that mistletoe by yourself and do something cool. Sledding alone? No problem, It is comfortable, requires less equipment, and still a good time. After your phenomenal sled races, stop by Paradise for a hot chocolate to warm the empty space in your heart. When you see the couple in their matching sets and hats all joyful, keep in mind you are not the one paying for two people. The second trick is to treat yourself. As you sit lonely on the couch, and watching the jewelry ads featuring the engagement ads, disregard all of it. So what? Odds are it is some set up, and they will also end up alone. All the gift guides on your Instagram feed, telling you what to get your boyfriend or girlfriend, dislike that useless post. Instead, spend that money on something that is actually useful. It is way more economically sound to buy a long-lasting item than take the risk of you losing your significant other. No one knows you better than you know yourself; we usually buy friendship bracelets in hopes to make friends and new beginnings. Third ti:With the Hallmark channel taking over every station, holiday rom coms are very popular during Christmas. They fill most with hope and unreachable standards you will never meet. Lauren and I have watched a real life Hallmark movie multiple times that have epically failed. It was as if it was behind the scenes of the movie. Now we choose to watch more, better, movies, being the Grinch, Rudolph, and of course Christmas Vacation. Overall, Lauren and I are living proof that you can survive the holiday season alone. We know you did not have these genius tricks prior to holidays.We wish you the best of luck with the 2023 holidays. #datingisforthenoobs

Haley Schmela, Staff Witer, Lauren Kinney, Social Media Editor

The week of January 7th, 2023; the week everyone dreads. The true colors of the teachers come out. If you were planning on touring AHS this week, you should think twice, or maybe even three times. Beginning with the new grading system, you will find students frantic in the halls looking for ways to boost their current grades and attitudes with no opportunity for extra credit so it will not spiral after the final while staff watch with enjoyment. Since the grading system has been so difficult on the kids, finals are predicted to spread mass amount of headaches. Down below are tips to stay away from the headaches, and instead stay superior to your classmates.

How To Stay Stress Free During Finals

Bedtime:

Please attempt to go to bed prior to dawn. Do not, and I repeat, do not see the sunrise. If you are studying and the sun starts to pear through, close your eyes. Being well-rested will help you perform better and keep your anger management to a minimum.

Snacks:

Throughout the week, parents will advise their children to eat well-rounded meals. While that is beneficial, caffeine is the key to success. A 6 pack of Redbull will get you going and ready to take on any problems you might face. If you are like some and don’t enjoy Redbull, try Celsius-the flavors are excellent.

Study Habits:

If you’re having a hard time comprehending the material that will be on your After eight hours of school, two hours of sports practice, and what seems like a million hours of driving to get home, you’re exhausted. It’s been a long day. On the way home, you were planning on maybe watching a movie, eating dinner, and of course, something every high schooler loves: going to bed early. You let your thoughts drift around your relaxing plans, but something changes as soon as you step through the front door of your house. All of a sudden, thoughts come one after another–you have a bio test tomorrow and haven’t studied. Shoot, and you have to read 30 pages of your English book. And oh, you forgot that you also have a history paper due first period, and you haven’t started. Your stomach turns, and you almost feel like crying as you realize you won’t be going to bed early tonight. As much as I would like to say it’s not, this is the reality of many Aspen High School students’ lives. Many students at AHS go straight from school to sports to homework five out of seven days a week, leaving little time for breaks and relaxation. Ambler Henderson, a junior at AHS and an athlete on both the girl’s volleyball and basketball teams, believes that she has too much homework and not enough time to do it all. “I have around two-three hours of homework each night. It’s really hard to have this much because practice is two hours, or if we have a game, that’s usually more time, and it takes out of my time to do my homework. And then after this, I still have to shower and eat dinner, so by the time I actually get to doing my homework, it’s already around eleven or twelve at night,” Henderson said. According to the CDC, teenagers ages 13-18 need about 8-10 hours of sleep each night due to brain development that happens during sleep. A Cornell University Study shows that due to lack of sleep, students’ memory skills can be affected, among other things as well. AHS students are much too busy because of the amount of homework they are expected to do each night. The two,three, or four hours students spend doing homework on top of a two-hour sports practice, among other things, limits the amount of sleep students get, bringing it on average down to fourfive hours a night. This is well under the minimum of eight hours needed. Sophomore Ela Stevenson brings a great solution to the table in order to solve this homework-haul issue at the high school. “I think we should have less homework at AHS, or if we do have homework to do, we should be allowed class time to do heavy-duty work like writing papers,” Stevenson said. Much of the homework that students are assigned at Aspen High School comes from work started but not finished in class. Being able to have more time to do said work in class would benefit students exponentially. From this, students could get more work done in class with an instructor to whom they can instantly ask questions that they usually cannot get at home. Although teachers often build in-class time to complete class assignments like projects or papers, unexpected schedule changes, changes to the lesson plan, or a lecture going over by a few minutes can take away much-needed work time in class. Having more class time to do this would also permit more time to spend sleeping as well as spending more time with friends and family and doing things they love, such as sports, clubs, or playing an instrument. Spending more time doing these activities can actually improve academic performance, improve self-esteem, and help students develop deeper social connections, which will benefit students more long term than doing homework every night would. However, there are many teachers and even parents at AHS who believe that students should spend more time on homework as it helps students to better understand content in class which ultimately produces better test scores, etc. Of course, homework will always be unavoidable, but less unnecessary homework is never out of the question. “I don’t think that giving homework just to give homework is important, but preparing for an exam and other things like that is important,” Sarah Benson, an AHS biology teacher, said. Too much homework often creates an imbalanced schedule for students and often causes significant amounts of stress. AHS teacher Alex Regginelli believes that the amount of homework being given out by teachers is causing this to become a bigger problem. “Our society bases our schedules on balance,” Regginelli stated. “We want about eight hours to sleep, eight hours to work, and eight hours to play. That’s the idea. And it’s not a perfect system or ratio, but if students are here at school for seven or eight hours a day and are taking an additional three or four hours of their time after school, we are inherently creating an imbalance for

final, don’t be afraid to approach your teacher. If they say they cannot help you, then don’t give up. You can show them who’s boss by challenging them to fight at night, or sending hate mail!

Outfit:

Most will choose the comfy look, usually consisting of sweatpants, hoodies, or the occasional comfy blanket. While that is a great way to spend your day, we have much better outfits to help reach the genius power. One favorite thing to wear during finals week is the spiderman suit. However, if you don’t have the funds for a super suit, you can always try a cape, to give the mindset that you can accomplish any challenges in your way. If this guide was helpful to you, please keep looking for us in the hallways